Don’t Be a Turkey, Give Blood

Missouri-Illinois

In 2010, U.S. farmers raised more than 242 million turkeys. That’s a lot of turkeys! Anyone who enjoyed one of these birds on Thanksgiving is grateful they were available.[1]

But did you know that only 111 million people are eligible to donate blood? That’s just over 37 percent of the U.S. population. Of those, only about 3 percent actually donate blood. Imagine what would happen if there wasn’t enough blood for hospital patients in need.

All blood types are needed to help maintain a sufficient blood supply, especially type O negative. Type O negative blood, the universal blood type, is always in high demand because it can be transfused to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations.

Also, through mid-December, all those who attempt to donate blood at Red Cross donation centers in St. Louis, Columbia, Jefferson City, Cape Girardeau, and southern Illinois can enter a chance to win two tickets to an upcoming Rams regular season home game. Drawings will be held two weeks prior to the game.

Don’t be a turkey! This Thanksgiving, give thanks for good health by giving blood. Each blood donation has the potential to save up to three lives.